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Lottery License - How to apply

Frequently Asked Questions

1. This is my first time applying for a lottery license. How does an organization apply for a license to conduct lottery events in St. Thomas?

St. Thomas and Elgin County based organizations conducting their events in St. Thomas must submit a completed City of St. Thomas application. The complete package is available by clicking on the "First time Application Form" link below or you can visit thethe Lottery Licensing Office on the First Floor at St.Thomas City Hall, 545 Talbot Street. Provided the application is complete, the eligibility review approval process can take approximately five (5) working days.

Organizations not previously licensed by the City of St. Thomas for the conduct of lottery events MUST include the following information prior to licenses being issued:

Complete the First Time Application Package which includes the following four forms: Aims & Purposes, Board Members, Proposed Budget and Banking Information Form:

Include details outlining the proposed use of lottery funds;

Include a copy of the organization's letters of incorporation or constitution and or by-laws;

Include a copy of the current operatingbudget and/or the previous years financial statement;

Include any other information that will assist in determining the charitable nature of the organization. Thiscould include an annual report, charitable number for income-tax purposes.

3. How does a qualified organization apply to the City of St. Thomas for the following licenses: Bingo, Break Open Tickets (Nevada)or Raffles and Bazaars?

Bingo - Once the required documents and information (see previous question) have been submitted to the City's Lottery Licensing Office and approved by the City, the organization's application form is sent to the local bingo hall Charity Association, and added to a waiting list . The waiting period could be up to a year or more.

Raffle, Bazaar - Once the required documents and information (see previous question) have been submitted to the City's Licensing Office and approved by the City, the organization's Raffle or Bazaar application will be processed and a license issued. In most instances the license will be completed within four (4) working days. Raffle and Bazaar application forms are available from the Lottery Licensing Office or on the Licence Application page.

Break Open Tickets (BOT) - Once the required documents and information (see previous question) have been submitted to the City's Licensing Office and approved by the City, the organization application will be processed and a license issued. In most instances the license will be completed within four (4) working days. Organizations are responsible for securing a retail location for the sale of BOT.A copy of the Retailer's current AGCO Gaming Control Act "Certificate of Registration" must be filed with the City before a Break Open Ticketlicense is issued. BOT application forms are available from the Lottery Licensing Office or on the Licence Application page.

NOTE: Lottery report forms detailing gross receipts, ticket sales, etc. must be submitted to the Licensing office after the event has taken place. Lottery report forms are available on the Lottery Reports page.

All requirements of lottery event reporting are contained in the "Terms & Conditions" of particular events, and available on the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website.

4. Is there a fee for lottery licenses?

Yes, the fee charged to the charity, by the municipality, for a Raffle and/or Break Open Ticket licenses is 3% of the value of the prizes being offered (i.e. prize value $1,000.00 x 3% = $30.00).The fee for a Bingo event license is $148.00. Fees should be submitted with the application form.

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Please note that the Angus McKenzie Trail between Lake Margaret Trail and Sauve Avenue will be closed for the next two weeks for reconstruction. It is anticipated that the trail will reopen late August 2017.

Due to Stanley Street road reconstruction project, St. Thomas Transit will be detouring Route 3 effective July 26, 2017 for approximately 4 months. For more information please read the Route 3 Detour Notice.